King Jesus
The title, “King Jesus,” is profound, yet rarely is it the way we refer to our sovereign Lord. I suspect our evangelism would have a greater sense of authority, in calling all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30), if the term was used.
Jesus is our King. In one sense, He is king over all creation; but He also has a kingdom of reconciled citizens, redeemed from the rebellion of man against God.
Kings have kingdoms, and Jesus’ kingdom is His active rule over all. King Jesus sits on the throne of God, having been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Ps 110:1; Mt 28:18).
The obvious problem is the dearth of subjection in the world to King Jesus. Men and nations refuse to bow the knee to the only wise Sovereign. This rebellion is observed by lack of reverence, and even recognition, toward our King. The refusal of nations to bring themselves into obedience to the King’s Law also demonstrates enmity against Him (Ps 2).
King Jesus has Himself invaded this rogue planet and established His kingdom’s presence at His incarnation (Jn 1:14). This is known today by the prototype Israelite nation, revealed in the Old Testament.
In the formation of one holy nation, the church (1 Pet 2:9), we see the great value of the Old Testament, in learning about what God is doing in reclaiming dominion from the usurping ruler of this world, Satan (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
In the fall of man (Gen 3), Lucifer, posed as a serpent, to reveal his character and intent. Stealing the dominion of man, given to him by God, the adversary has set up his rule and reign over man on the earth — a fallen creation.
Now, with the invasion from a heavenly kingdom, the earth has become a battlefield. The kingdom of this world wars against the invading kingdom of Christ, the King.
Because the invading force is not of this world, the weapons are spiritual (Eph 6:10–20). The means of reconnaissance of elect defectors is truth, which is heralded to all creation like a sword being wielded on the day of battle.
The Word of truth, the sword of the Spirit of Christ is the weapon of our warfare. In a world of lies, led by the prince of the power of the air, who is the father of lies (Jn 8:44), there is a battle for the minds of men.
Satan, who is king sin, has blinded the minds of those who do not believe the Gospel of the kingdom of Christ (2 Cor 4:4). He has enslaved man to do his will (Rom 6:6), and his will for man is for him to sin (Rom 3:23), which is lawlessness against Almighty God (1 Jn 3:4).
Old Testament Israel was chosen by God, to show God’s elect His program of redemption for His people. The anticipation of a coming, conquering King was prophesied by many Hebrew prophets of God over long centuries.
The arrival of King Jesus, celebrated at Christmas, was only the beginning of a progressing spiritual kingdom. Today, the kingdom of God is found in the Spirit (Rom 14:17), who is in the world gathering God’s people into the realm of Christ the King. Is it time for you to bow the knee to the King of kings?
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
March 15, 2022
